Today I am thrilled to launch a new channel on X (formerly Twitter) using the handle @CEO_PFEW.

The aim is to complement the other outlets we have at national and branch level by keeping members and key stakeholders up to date on important Federation developments from the CEO’s perspective.

My appointment was the first time in our 100-year history that the Federation has appointed a CEO from outside policing. I hope my background and experience can bring a level of professionalism, as well as a fresh mindset, to the job of steering the organisation through this period of change.

From my visits to branches across the country, I know police officers are under enormous pressure. They need a strong voice and representation from a Federation that commands respect and which leads by example. That’s why I announced at our national conference, a significant programme of transformation that, in time, will be felt by our members and all those who care about the future of policing.

The catalyst for change is, of course, the judgment in the pensions challenge case. We accepted the judgment and apologised to those members affected.

We are engaging with the legal firm involved and working hard to secure a suitable outcome. It is important we meet our obligations while also ensuring the Federation has a sustainable financial future.

As I have said previously, the judgment was a hammer blow for the Federation and, as CEO, I will not shy away from taking any tough decisions which arise from the difficult events.

In terms of the transformation programme itself, I will be using this new platform to keep you updated on the progress we are making.

Here are some of the main points:
1. We are in the process of appointing an independent review panel. Their review will try and get to the bottom of what went wrong and the changes we should make going forward. I will share more details in the review including its terms of reference and panel membership in the near future.
2. We are also conducting a detailed review of current governance and structure of the Federation across branches and HQ. This involves research and benchmarking with other comparable organisations to ensure we are set up to involve the right people in the right positions with a focus on ethical decision-making.
3. Another workstream is focussing on how we get better at connecting with reps and staff and rebuild the organisation’s culture around a common set of values.
4. It is crucially important our future is shared by our members. Shortly, we will be reaching out to members to find out what they want from their Federation. Stand by for more information on this very soon.

The work of change is already underway and you will see evidence of it as this year unfolds. Some things will not change, however, as they are core to the Federation’s role and purpose.

We will continue with our training and development of our reps to support and advise police officers in their hour of need. And I know how much our members value the excellent legal support the Federation provides, which must continue to be at the heart of what we do.

Likewise, during this general election year, it is important that the Federation always stands up for our officers and holds both police forces and the Government to account.

I hope you will find these updates useful. Please follow me at @CEO_PFEW.